Artist David Hockney dies at 88; King Charles and art world pay tribute to 'giant'
David Hockney, one of Britain's most important artists, has died at 88, prompting tributes from King Charles, fellow artists, and political leaders.
Artist David Hockney dies at 88; King Charles and art world pay tribute to 'giant'
David Hockney, one of the UK’s most significant and popular artists, has died at the age of 88. His representatives announced that he passed away peacefully at home on 11 June 2026, just a month before his 89th birthday.
King Charles said in a personal message that he and the Queen were “greatly saddened” by the loss of “a giant of the world of art and painting, a Yorkshireman through and through, and a dear friend and inspiration to so many.”
Artist Dame Tracey Emin said she felt privileged to have known Hockney, adding that he “changed the perception of Britishness with the power of art.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed sadness, and a Downing Street spokesman noted that Hockney’s “vivid, instantly recognisable work influenced generations of artists.”
Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain, described Hockney as an “immensely important figure” and “an endlessly inventive artist with a unique vision of the world.” He said Hockney “taught us about the joy of looking, seeing things the rest of us failed to notice,” and that his death is an immense loss to the art world.
Hockney’s seven-decade career included vibrant landscapes of Yorkshire, sun-drenched Los Angeles swimming pool scenes, and iPad portraits. His work is in galleries worldwide. The Tate plans two projects for next year: a major Tate Britain exhibition spanning seven decades, and a multimedia installation at Tate Modern.
Hockney, an openly gay man, supported Stonewall by donating a $250,000 artwork. He is remembered as a “giant of queer British art.”
He studied at Bradford School of Art and the Royal College of Art, graduating with a gold medal. He moved to Los Angeles in 1964, creating his iconic pool series. Famous works include “Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy.”
Hockney was known for his energy, humour, and love of life, encapsulated by his phrase “Love Life.” He is survived by his partner Jean-Pierre Gonçalves de Lima, his great-nephew Richard, brothers Philip and John, and other relatives.
